Speaking in the House of Commons, Foreign Secretary William Hague
said Tuesday that the Russian ship carrying a consignment of
refurbished attack helicopters to Syria had turned back to Russia.

The Telegraph website reported that the MV Alaed, a Russian-operated
cargo vessel, had been sailing through the North Sea after allegedly
picking up a consignment of munitions and MI25 helicopters – known
as "flying tanks" – from the Russian port of Kaliningrad on the
Baltic Sea.

"The political situation in Syria is dire. All parties must now
implement the Annan plan," Hague said. "The international community
needs to come together to compel the regime to do so... We stand
ready to pursue robust action in the United Nations Security Council."

Earlier Tuesday, the Telegraph reported that British marine insurer
Standard Club said it had withdrawn coverage from all the ships owned
by Femco, a Russian cargo line, including the MV Alaed.

"We were made aware of the allegations that the Alaed was carrying
munitions destined for Syria," the company said in a statement. "We
have already informed the ship owner that their insurance cover
ceased automatically in view of the nature of the voyage."